New-look Dunfermline Athletic gearing up for another promotion push

Dunfermline Athletic continued their progression under boss Allan Johnston with a top-four finish in last season’s Ladbrokes Championship.

But after play-off heartbreak last time around, how will a new-look Pars side fare this time around?

They’ve certainly made some smart additions this summer. Not least in the form of brothers Jackson Longridge and Louis Longridge.

Jackson boasts fresh promotion-winning experience from this level. A key part of the Livingston team who made it up via the play-offs in 2017-18, the left-back was crucial during the run-in, with three goals from Mid-March onwards.

Meanwhile, versatile Louis was a revelation for Falkirk last season. He managed seven goals and eight assists in 25 games. And he may have been signed with an eye on the Premiership. He has 72 top-flight appearances already under his belt.

Johnston has also boosted his ranks elsewhere. Danny Devine and Mark Durnan both add some defensive steel. Meanwhile, youngster Tom Beading has made his loan move from Sunderland permanent following last season’s loan stint.

But in addition to some savvy new additions, Johnston must cope with some key exits.

The Pars are losing a major source of goals to rivals Dundee United, in the form of Nicky Clark. Meanwhile, the promising Declan McManus is off to Ross County, who could also be title-challengers next term.

However, keeping Johnston may be the most important thing of all this summer. Having transformed the Pars from League 1 also-rans into a strong Championship side, there’s no doubt he’s the right man to continue their push onwards.

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